English edition

My friend passed the horse riding skill test.」

Calm days continue.

I feel like the days are getting gradually longer...

The other day, when I went to the Mito Riding Club, I saw a list of successful candidates for the skill examination posted at the reception.

There, I found the name of a horse-riding friend who hasn't been able to come to the club recently.

I sent him a photo to convey his success. Congratulations on passing!

He replied by email, saying he is happy to know about his success as he can't visit the riding club for a while. That's great.

Last weekend, I was working hard at the office. There, I saw Mr. K, a mid-level employee who was supposed to be working from home.

He was using the small conference room. 'My eldest daughter is preparing for her middle school entrance exams, so I let her study here,' he explained.

Ah, I see. It's the season for middle school entrance exams. K's daughter, who used to be so small and noisy,

has calmed down considerably. And now, she's already taking her middle school exams.

I'm amazed at how quickly time flies.

I remember K's daughter also took the elementary school entrance exams. She will likely face various exams in the future. If she passes, it will surely bring joy not only to her but also to her parents and grandparents.

As a senior lady, I think whether one passes or fails, it might not make that much of a difference.

I truly believe that the path of failure isn't so bad either!

Some people's lives might follow a straight path of successes, while others might experience a winding road of successes and failures.

Is life like climbing Mount Fuji? (I've never climbed it, but) Some might aim for the summit from route A, others from route B, and some from route C. It's also fine not to reach the summit and to stop midway.

Everyone has different meanings and values in life.

Recently, I've come to believe that any life, where one can immerse themselves in the moment and think, 'Ah, this time is good. It's good to be alive,' is a good life."

-English edition